More than 12,000 people participated in the 41st annual Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk the morning of Saturday, September 15, raising nearly $1 million for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

In its 41-year history, Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk has raised more than $21 million through gifts and pledges. One hundred percent of money raised goes to support Children’s Hospital’s research, advocacy, care and education efforts throughout the state.

“I want to personally thank everyone who has helped make Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk such an incredible success over these past 41 years, including all of our participants and our sponsors, especially our title sponsor, Briggs & Stratton. We are incredibly grateful for their support, which has been critical to the services we provide to kids and families throughout the state,” said Peggy Troy, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. “Events like Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk are the most powerful way to engage the community and generate support that makes a difference for kids and helps us achieve our vision of having Wisconsin’s children be the healthiest in the nation. The image of 12,000 people running and walking down Wisconsin Avenue in support of Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk will never cease to amaze me. There is no greater symbol of the community’s support for our kids.”

Since Marquette University men’s basketball coach Al McGuire began the event in 1978, Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk has brought thousands of people to downtown Milwaukee to run, walk and fundraise in support of the top-tier care for kids that Children’s Hospital provides locally, regionally and nationally.

“Briggs & Stratton is extremely proud to be the title sponsor of Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk and we want to congratulate everyone involved in these 41 amazing years,” said Todd Teske, chairman, president and CEO of Briggs & Stratton. “Briggs & Stratton has always had a strong commitment to the health of our community and our support of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is a key part of that. We are continually amazed by the incredible support of all our employees who run, walk and donate to help keep Wisconsin’s kids healthy.”

Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk is a USA Track & Field-certified 8k course, attracting elite runners and wheelchair athletes from throughout the region. Participants can also choose to participate in a 3- and 5-mile walk route, instead of running.